When People Rebel 1857 And After, History, Class 8 -Test - Class 8 MCQ

The new law passed in 1850 made:
- Conversion into Christianity easier: The new law passed in 1850 aimed to facilitate the conversion of Indians into Christianity. It provided legal support and protection for those who chose to convert and made the process more accessible.
- People of India Christians: As a result of the law, there was an increase in the number of people in India who chose to become Christians. The law created an environment that encouraged and supported religious conversion.
- The life of the Indians difficult: The new law, however, had negative consequences for the Indian population. It imposed restrictions on certain religious practices and customs of the Indians, making their lives more difficult. The law aimed to impose Western values and beliefs on the Indian population, leading to cultural conflicts and tensions.
- None of the above: It is important to note that the correct answer is not "none of the above" in this case. The new law did have an impact on the conversion into Christianity and the lives of the Indians, as mentioned above.
In conclusion, the new law passed in 1850 made the conversion into Christianity easier, resulted in more people in India becoming Christians, and also made the lives of the Indians more difficult due to the imposition of certain restrictions.

The Revolt of 1857: Beginning and Location

• Introduction: The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857 or the First War of Independence, was a significant uprising against British colonial rule in India.


• Beginning: The revolt began on May 10, 1857, with a mutiny of sepoys (Indian soldiers) in the town of Meerut, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India.


• Reasons for the Revolt: The revolt was triggered by various factors, including the introduction of new rifle cartridges greased with animal fat (offensive to both Hindu and Muslim soldiers) and the discontent among Indian soldiers due to low wages, lack of promotions, and discriminatory treatment by their British officers.


• Spread of the Revolt: After the mutiny in Meerut, the revolt quickly spread to other parts of India, including Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Awadh (present-day Uttar Pradesh).


• Lucknow: While Lucknow became a major center of the revolt, it did not mark the beginning of the rebellion.


• Kanpur: Kanpur also witnessed a significant uprising during the revolt, but it was not the starting point.


• Awadh: Awadh, which was a region in present-day Uttar Pradesh, played a crucial role in the revolt. However, it was not the starting point.


• Meerut: The mutiny in Meerut marked the beginning of the revolt, making option D the correct answer.

Overall, the Revolt of 1857 began in Meerut and then spread to other parts of India, leading to a widespread rebellion against British colonial rule.

Mangal Pandey's Hanging
Background:
Mangal Pandey was a young soldier in the British Indian Army during the 19th century. He played a significant role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, which was a major uprising against British rule in India.
Reasons for Hanging:
Mangal Pandey was hanged to death for his involvement in the following:
1. Attacking his officers in Barrackpore: The primary reason for Mangal Pandey's execution was his attack on his British officers at the Barrackpore cantonment. On March 29, 1857, he revolted against the British authorities and attempted to incite other sepoys to join him in a rebellion.
Other Possible Reasons:
Although the main reason for Mangal Pandey's hanging was his attack on his officers, some historical accounts suggest that he was also involved in the following activities:
1. Killing an Englishman: There are claims that Mangal Pandey was responsible for the murder of an Englishman named Lieutenant Baugh. This incident allegedly sparked the rebellion in Barrackpore.
2. Attacking English factories: Some sources suggest that Mangal Pandey was involved in the destruction of English factories and property during the rebellion.
3. Telling lies: It is also mentioned in some accounts that Mangal Pandey was accused of spreading false rumors and inciting fellow sepoys to revolt against the British.
However, it is important to note that the primary reason for his hanging was his attack on his officers in Barrackpore.
Conclusion:
Mangal Pandey's hanging was a consequence of his rebellion and attack on his British officers in Barrackpore. While there are other claims of his involvement in killing an Englishman, attacking English factories, and spreading false rumors, the primary reason for his execution remains his attack on his officers.

The Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar died in the Rangoon jail.
The detailed solution is as follows:
- Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last emperor of the Mughal dynasty in India.
- After the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured by the British forces.
- He was exiled to Rangoon (present-day Yangon) in Burma (present-day Myanmar) along with his family.
- Bahadur Shah Zafar spent his last years in captivity in the Rangoon jail.
- He was kept under strict surveillance and was not allowed to leave the jail premises.
- The conditions in the jail were harsh, and the emperor's health deteriorated over time.
- On November 7, 1862, Bahadur Shah Zafar passed away in the Rangoon jail at the age of 87.
- His death marks the end of the Mughal dynasty and symbolizes the decline of Muslim rule in India.
- Bahadur Shah Zafar's remains were later transported back to India and buried in Delhi.
- Today, his tomb in Delhi is a significant historical site and a reminder of the Mughal era in India.

The British regained control of the country in the year
The correct answer is 1858.
Explanation:
- The British regained control of the country refers to the time when the British Empire regained control over India.
- The British East India Company had established its presence in India in the early 1600s and gradually expanded its control over various regions.
- However, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, marked a significant turning point in the relationship between India and the British.
- The rebellion began in May 1857 and spread throughout Northern and Central India, with Indian soldiers (sepoys) rebelling against the British East India Company's rule.
- The rebellion was eventually suppressed by the British, and in 1858, the British government passed the Government of India Act, transferring the governance of India from the British East India Company to the British Crown.
- This act established direct British rule over India, known as the British Raj, and marked the beginning of a new era in India's history.
- Therefore, the British regained control of the country in the year 1858.
In summary:
- The British regained control of India in 1858 after suppressing the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and passing the Government of India Act.

False
- There were many Indians who wanted to change existing social practices.
- The social reform movements in India during the 19th and 20th centuries aimed at challenging and transforming various social practices that were considered oppressive or discriminatory.
- These movements were led by prominent figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Jyotirao Phule, Pandita Ramabai, and many others.
- They advocated for the abolition of practices such as sati (widow burning), child marriage, untouchability, and the caste system.
- They believed in the principles of equality, justice, and human rights.
- Through their efforts, they worked towards creating a more inclusive and progressive society.
- These reform movements played a crucial role in shaping modern India and laying the foundation for social change.
- Therefore, it is incorrect to say that none of the Indians wanted to change existing social practices.

Background:
- Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last emperor of the Mughal dynasty in India.
- The Mughal Empire was a powerful empire that ruled over the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th century.
Decision by Governor-General Canning:
- In 1856, Governor-General Canning made the decision that Bahadur Shah Zafar would be the last Mughal king.
- This decision was made in the context of the growing influence of the British East India Company and their desire to consolidate their control over India.
- The Mughal Empire had already been weakened and reduced to a figurehead role by this time, with the British holding the real power.
Reasons for the Decision:
- The British saw Bahadur Shah Zafar as a symbol of resistance and a potential rallying point for anti-British sentiment.
- By declaring him as the last Mughal king, the British aimed to further diminish his influence and prevent any potential uprisings or challenges to their rule.
- This decision also served to symbolically mark the end of the Mughal Empire and assert British dominance in India.
Impact of the Decision:
- Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled to Burma (now Myanmar) after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which was also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence.
- The rebellion was a major uprising against British rule in India, and Bahadur Shah Zafar was seen as a figurehead for the rebellion.
- The British captured Delhi, deposed Bahadur Shah Zafar, and exiled him, effectively bringing an end to the Mughal dynasty.
Conclusion:
- Governor-General Canning's decision in 1856 to declare Bahadur Shah Zafar as the last Mughal king was true.
- This decision was made in the context of British efforts to consolidate their control over India and prevent any challenges to their rule.

Explanation:
The statement "The Indian sepoys were unhappy about their pay, allowances and conditions of service" is true. Here is a detailed explanation:
Reasons for unhappiness:
- Low pay: The sepoys were paid significantly less compared to their British counterparts. This wage disparity was a major cause of discontentment among the Indian sepoys.
- Poor allowances: The sepoys were dissatisfied with the inadequate allowances provided to them for food, clothing, and other necessities. This added to their grievances.
- Harsh conditions of service: The sepoys had to endure difficult and challenging conditions during their service. They had to travel long distances, face extreme weather conditions, and often lacked basic amenities.
- Discrimination: The sepoys faced discrimination in terms of promotions and opportunities for advancement. The British officers were given preferential treatment, which resulted in frustration and resentment among the Indian soldiers.
Consequences of unhappiness:
- Discontentment and frustration led to a growing sense of resentment among the sepoys.
- The grievances of the sepoys played a significant role in the outbreak of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny.
- The rebellion was a widespread uprising against British rule in India, with the sepoys being at the forefront of the revolt.
In conclusion, the statement that the Indian sepoys were unhappy about their pay, allowances, and conditions of service is true. Their grievances and dissatisfaction eventually contributed to the uprising against British rule.

The British could not repress the revolt and called the rebels for negotiations.
Explanation:
The statement suggests that the British were unable to suppress the revolt and had to initiate negotiations with the rebels. Let's break down the explanation into bullet points:
- The British: Refers to the British colonial forces or authorities during a period of revolt or uprising.
- Could not repress the revolt: Indicates that the British were unsuccessful in suppressing or quelling the rebellion or revolt.
- Called the rebels for negotiations: Implies that the British, recognizing their inability to control the situation through force, decided to engage in talks or discussions with the rebel leaders in an attempt to resolve the conflict peacefully.
In summary, the statement suggests that due to their failure to repress the revolt, the British were compelled to seek negotiations with the rebels in order to find a resolution to the conflict.

False
The statement is false. After the Revolt of 1857, the Governor-General of India was not given the title of Admiral-General. The correct answer is option B.
Here is the detailed explanation:
1. The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Indian Rebellion or Sepoy Mutiny, was a major uprising against British rule in India.
2. After the revolt, the British government decided to abolish the rule of the East India Company and take direct control over India.
3. As a result, the British Crown assumed direct responsibility for the governance of India and the Governor-General's title was changed to Viceroy of India.
4. The Viceroy of India was the representative of the British monarch and held the highest position of authority in British India.
5. The title "Admiral-General" was not used to refer to the Governor-General or the Viceroy of India during this period.
6. The term "Admiral-General" is not historically accurate and there is no evidence to suggest that such a title was given to the Governor-General after the Revolt of 1857.
In conclusion, the correct title given to the Governor-General of India after the Revolt of 1857 was Viceroy of India, not Admiral-General.